The GCI Strategic Planning Packet is a planning guide designed to empower church leaders to collaboratively develop clear, Spirit-led strategies for their congregations. This curriculum walks participants through a structured six‑session journey. It begins with storytelling then moves through the following:
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- team-based planning
- defining mission/vision/values
- developing actionable Ministry Action Plans (MAPs)
- refining team meeting practices
- embedding a rhythm of review and adaptation into congregational life
Who Should Use it
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- Pastors and senior leaders seeking to re-focus pastoral leadership with strategic clarity and collective vision.
- Ministry teams and Avenue champions who want to elevate team dynamics, shared ownership, and effective planning around Hope, Faith, Love, or other ministry “avenues.”
How to Use it
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- Its session-based design makes it ideal for retreat settings. Each of the six sessions includes pastor reflections, team exercises, and congregation-wide activities that guide participants through theological reflection into concrete action.
- Practical tools, like MAPs and TMAPs (Team Strategic Plans), help teams move from vision (“Where are we going?”) to mission-guided execution (“How will we get there?”), with built-in quarterly and annual reviews .
- Facilitators can adapt the content for use in annual retreats, staff meetings, or leadership training to foster ongoing alignment and ownership.
Benefits of Using it
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- Helps clarify leadership roles, combining pastoral, visionary, and strategic functions rooted in servant leadership and collaborative storytelling.
- Ensures planning is team-based and Spirit-led, embedding discernment through structured reflection and group exercises.
- Translates vision into measurable steps, thanks to the layered approach — mission → vision → values → MAP → TMAP → review — that strengthens follow-through and accountability.
- Builds a culture of shared ownership, encouraging all participants (not just the pastor) to speak into the congregation’s story and strategy.
- Encourages a cycle of intentional review, empowering teams to celebrate milestones, adapt as needed, and keep the vision alive year-round.
